Exploring the American Southwest by Train: Introducing the New Canyon Spirit

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There's something uniquely magical about train travel. It offers the chance to see remote wilderness areas that often remain hidden from roads—all while enjoying luxurious comfort and unobstructed views.

For more than 35 years, Rocky Mountaineer has set the standard for scenic, luxury train journeys in North America. Now, the team behind that success is bringing its expertise to the American Southwest with the introduction of Canyon Spirit, a new luxury rail journey from Armstrong Collective.

A new chapter in luxury rail travel

Canyon Spirit represents a new chapter in luxury rail travel in the US. It isn’t just a train ride; it’s an elevated journey through some of the most breathtaking and inaccessible terrain in North America, revealing views that few travelers get to see.

The experience begins the moment you step aboard. Unlike overnight trains that travel at night, Canyon Spirit travels only during daylight hours, ensuring you won't miss a single moment of the beautiful scenery outside your window.

From your seat in Canyon Spirit's panoramic glass-dome coaches, you'll have a front-row view of some of nature's grandest views, from giant red rock towers to carved-out canyons.

Onboard hosts as storytellers

Onboard Hosts serve as both storytellers and guides on Canyon Spirit, sharing the region’s rich history and insights into the natural wonders you see.

Their captivating stories bring the American West to life. Whether you're seeing a nearly forgotten ghost town or taking in natural archways carved by wind and water, the onboard expert guides help you understand what you’re seeing.

Different service levels to select from

Travelers can choose between two service levels. Every Canyon Spirit guest enjoys the all-inclusive Signature experience. Creative menus inspired by the region are served with a curated selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. You’ll have access to outdoor viewing platforms where you can breathe in the desert air and take photos of the stunning scenery.

For those seeking even more luxury, the Premier upgrade offers enhanced amenities, expertly paired wine selections, signature cocktails, premium beverages, gourmet snacks, and exclusive access to the lounge car and additional viewing platform.

Four iconic destinations

The Canyon Spirit route—Rockies to the Red Rocks—connects four distinctive destinations that showcase the Southwest's scenic diversity. Starting in Denver's vibrant Mile-High culture of gastropubs, craft breweries, and dynamic arts scenes, the journey winds through Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with its famous hot springs and mountain charm, then continues from Moab, Utah's gateway to the state’s Mighty Five national parks, and ends in Salt Lake City, where urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure beneath the Wasatch Mountains. Each evening, you’ll spend the night at an iconic destination hotel.

Your choice of two- or three-day journeys

On Canyon Spirt, you can choose between a two or three-day journeys. The two-day rail trip runs from Denver to Moab, while the three-day trip extends to Salt Lake City.

The three-day Classic package is the perfect blend of structured adventure and personal freedom, with carefully arranged hotel stays that allow you to explore each destination at your own pace. The three-day journey includes overnight stays in Salt Lake City, Moab, Glenwood Springs, and Denver.

A rail journey to remember

Bookings are now open for 2026 journeys.

Canyon Spirit fills a unique niche in American travel, offering access to landscapes that are unreachable by car or plane. Through majestic mountains, dramatic canyons, and vibrant cities, this unique rail experience will help you create long-lasting memories. If you want to explore the beauty of the American Southwest, Canyon Spirit offers a window into one of North America’s most spectacular regions.